Dogs

Do Great Pyrenees Shed A Lot? – What You Need To Know

Great Pyrenees are great dogs that love their owners, but some of us are hypoallergenic and can’t be around dogs that shed a lot. So, if you’re allergic to dander, you may ask when you’re researching about Pyrs, “Do Great Pyrenees shed a lot?”

2 white Great Pyrenees standing on top of shed fur — Photo (Also Used As Featured Image) by Leigh Thomason Honnell on Facebook

Unfortunately, Great Pyrenees shed a ton, especially around the spring when they blow (shed a lot) their coat. Expect to find dog hair all over the couches, floors, and just about anything it touches and stays on for a long period of time. So, unfortunately, they are not for those who have allergies.

How To Reduce How Much Your Pyr Sheds

Nobody, including you, can stop your Great Pyrenees from shedding, but you can definitely help reduce how much your Great Pyrenees shed if you know what you’re doing.

The best way to reduce shedding is to groom your Pyr more. This way, the hair that would usually go all over your home, can be brushed out and discarded.

So, while Pyrs don’t need to be groomed a lot thanks to their tangle-free and dirt-resistant coat, grooming is still a necessity for this dog.

While some only like to groom their dog simply when a lot of people are going to see them, they should be groomed a lot more often.

Are Great Pyrenees Hypoallergenic?

Another question you may ask is “are Great Pyrenees hypoallergenic?” This is a great question and in this section I will be answering it.

So, first, I want to clarify what hypoallergenic means. Hypoallergenic means that what it is describing (of course, in this case, a dog) is not likely to cause allergies.

Saying that a lot of people have dander allergies which is found in dog hair and saying that Pyrs shed a ton, Great Pyrenees are unfortunately not hypoallergenic.

Should I Trim My Great Pyrenees’ Coat?

Many Pyr owners will shave their dog’s coat as they believe it would stop the shedding, though it raises some concerns.

The first one is that their coat can actually make them hotter during the summer and colder during the winter.

While it may seem odd, your Pyrs coat not only helps him keep warm in the winter, but it also keeps him keep cool during the spring and summer. Because of this, shaving your Pyrs coat can actually make him hotter.

Another concern that he won’t be as protected against insects like ticks and fleas and will likely get bitten.

Other concerns may be how he can get sun burned, that the hair may not even grow back for the winter months and won’t be able to handle the cold that much.

Basic Grooming Requirements For Pyrs

Now, we know that Great Pyrenees shed a lot, but we also learned that you can reduce the shedding some by grooming him more, but what are his basic grooming requirements.

Let’s find out.

Bathing Your Great Pyrenees

Being bathed is a necessity for just about every dog out in the planet, only some will need them less than others.

It is generally recommended that you bathe your Great Pyrenees about once a month. While I did say baths are a necessity for just about every dog, some dog breeds can go months without baths.

Trimming Your Pyrs Nails

Trimming your Pyrs nails is once again another necessity for 2 reasons. One, you don’t want him to scratch everyone he sees and two, his nails can actually grow into his paw pads if you’re not careful.

Yes, you heard me right. The nails will curl as they grow and if they are let grow too long, can actually grow into the paw. This of course is not comfortable for the dog whatsoever.

Because of this, it’s highly recommended that you trim your dog’s nails regularly or when you think their nails are getting too long.

Just remember there is a quick and if cut below it, can actually make the nail bleed and make your dog be afraid of you even handling his feet, so be cautious when you’re trimming your dog’s nails.

Brushing Your Pyr’s Teeth

While it may sound stupid, consider brushing your dog’s teeth as it can help keep your dog hygienic and healthy.

While dogs have hard teeth, their teeth cans till rot just like ours can. This is especially true when they’re older.

So, brush your Great Pyrenees’ teeth regularly. You can also supplement them with some dental chews as well.

Brushing Your Pyr’s Coat

While it is true that your Great Pyrenees’ coat is essentially tangle and dirt-free, a nice occasional won’t hurt.

In fact, many still say it’s vital that your Pyr’s coat is brushed at least occasionally. to avoid matts and tangles.

Getting The Right Tools For Grooming Your Pyr

While you don’t have to groom this dog very often, that doesn’t mean that their grooming doesn’t need to be proper.

So, be sure to educate yourself on the supplies you will need when you’re grooming your dog.

Here are some of the recommended tools when you’re grooming your Great Pyrenees:

A rake (deep enough to penetrate the skin)
Nail trimmer
Dog-safe shampoo
Cotton balls for wiping
Matt splitter
Large curved slicker brush
Ear Cleansers

Finding Matts & Tangles In Your Pyrs Coat

Generally, the places where you’re probably going to find the most matts and tangles is around the neck and shoulders. This is even more true for males.

Note that your dog may be a bit nervous when he’s being groomed at first with all these new tools, but he should get used to it the more you groom him.

Tips On Trimming Your Pyr’s Nails

Before you even trim your Great Pyrenees’ nails, it’s important that you get your dog used to the clippers and you handling his feet.

So, start out slow and don’t rush things. First, just let him sniff and touch the clippers and reward him with treats and a lot of love for doing so.

Then, after a while, start touching him with the clippers and reward him if he’s calm.

Finally, after a while of slowly introducing him to the clippers, you should be able to eventually trim his nails.

Unfortunately, this article is a just a bit too long to fully cover in one article. So, I recommend checking out this article about trimming your dog’s nails from the AKC.

Tips & Tricks For Brushing Your Pyr’s Teeth

The key to making your dog feel okay about brushing his teeth is to start early and make it fun.

When you start early, you will able to manage him better when he’s just a puppy and he will be used to it in his older years.

Another tip to making them actually enjoy having their teeth brushed is to give them treats before or after you brush their teeth or just play games when their mouth is open.

Both of these tips and tricks should help make brushing your dogs teeth overall a nicer experience for both you and your dog.

Conclusion

So, do Great Pyrenees shed? Unfortunately, a lot, and because of this, these dogs shouldn’t be around people with dander allergies, so they aren’t hypoallergenic.

Do you have a Great Pyrenees? If so, does it shed a lot? Let us know in the comment section below!

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Are Great Pyrenees Good Apartment Dogs? – Only The Truth

Apartments are very common in this day and age, and many of us live in them, but are Great Pyrenees suitable for apartment life?

While it is generally debated about whether or not Great Pyrenees can be apartment dogs, the fact of the matter is, Great Pyrenees are just not suited for apartment life. Even though others say otherwise, Great Pyrenees tend to prefer the outdoors rather than the indoors. Why? Great Pyrenees are not only large and will feel cramped in an apartment, but they also weren’t bred to live in small compact spaces.

Why You Shouldn’t Keep A Great Pyrenees In An Apartment

While I mentioned one reason why you shouldn’t keep a Great Pyrenees in an apartment, that’s not the only reason why you shouldn’t.

In this section I will be discussing all three reasons why I believe Great Pyrenees shouldn’t be apartment dogs. Here are the three.

Great Pyrenees Are Too Big

As I just mentioned, one of my main reasons why I don’t think you should keep a Great Pyrenees in an apartment is that they are simply too large.

Even if we forget the other reasons, this alone should make you think twice about putting your Pyr in an apartment.

I know what you may be thinking, “Yeah, but how do you know that he doesn’t actually like being in an apartment?” The answer is I don’t, but I do know that Great Pyrenees owners say that theirs prefers the outdoors.

In fact, many of them said they have a hard time taking their Great Pyrenees indoors unless the weather isn’t fair.

Here are some of the answers I got when I asked if their let their Great Pyrenees sleep outside.

Unless it’s storming, getting them to come in at night is almost impossible!
Leigh Thomason Honnell

Mine prefers outside, even in the rain and snow. He has dry places to lay. He prefers to patrol the property.
Pam Hughes

Mine sleeps outside. They are guard dogs, not house dogs.
Leah Cooper Cox

Of course, I also had some that said theirs slept primarily inside, though there is no guarantee yours would prefer outdoors and even if it does, apartments are just too small, in mu opinion.

Great Pyrenees Tend To Bark Too Much

Another reason why I don’t believe they should be be in apartments is that they tend to bark a lot.

So, if you were to have a Pyr in an apartment, you could get some very angry neighbors. It’s just not considerate to let your dog bark all the time when there are a lot of people living in the area.

This, coupled with the last reason I will be talking about, can make some very irritated neighbors and may even get you evicted from your apartment if your Pyr is consistent.

They Mainly Stay Up At Night

The last reason why is that that they stay up mostly at night. While this fact alone isn’t a very good reason why you shouldn’t keep a Pyr in an apartment, this coupled with the fact that they bark a lot can disrupt a lot of your neighbors’ sleep schedules.

This can also disrupt your own sleeping schedule as well if he tends to bark a lot.

Understanding What Great Pyrenees Were Bred For

Now, let’s understand exactly what Great Pyrenees were bred for. Why is this important, you ask?

Understanding what Great Pyrenees were even bred for in the first place can help us determine whether or not you should keep a Great Pyrenees in an apartment.

So, what were they bred for? Great Pyrenees were bred to be herding and guard dogs. Thus, they had to be outside just about all of their adult-hood helping keep the flock safe by deterring predators and not in an apartment.

On the AKC’s website, for the Great Pyrenees profile, they said that they were “bred centuries ago to work with peasant shepherds and herding dogs in the Pyrenees Mountains.”

They also said that their job was to “watch the flock and deter predators, whether wolves, bears, or livestock rustlers.”

What Makes A Good Apartment Dog

So, we understand what Great Pyrenees were bred for and we know a few reasons why Pyrs don’t make good apartment dogs, but makes a good apartment dog?

Let’s find out!

Being Small In Size

The first thing that makes any dog apartment friendly is that they are small in size, thus being less likely to be cramped in an apartment.

Even if they are active, if they are small enough, you won’t have to walk them every hour as they can exercise more at home.

When they are small, they are also easier to manage when they get really excited and are less likely to knock a lot of things over

Hesitant To Bark A Lot At Strangers

A good apartment dog is hesitant to bark at people or cars as there are a lot of them near apartments.

As I mentioned earlier, a dog that barks a lot is not fit to be an apartment dog.

Most dogs bark a lot, however. This is likely one of the main reasons why so many apartments prohibit dogs all together.

Preferring Inside Rather Than Outside

Lastly, if you are going to keep a dog in an apartment, he should prefer the indoors rather than the outdoors.

There’s always a possibility that your apartment doesn’t have a backyard, and if it does, it’s probably not a very big one. Then, of course, if you don’t have the time to walk your dog multiple times a day, he’ll probably stay inside most of the time.

What Are The Best Apartment Dogs – A Few Alternatives

Before we end the article, you may be wanting a few possible alternatives to Great Pyrenees that would work out for apartment life. This is a logical question to ask and if you are asking this question, I suggest finish the rest of the article.

So, what are a few alternatives? Here are a list of some of the dogs that would be fit for apartment life.

American Eskimo Dog
American Hairless Terrier
Basset Hound
Border Terrier
Bulldog
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
French Bulldog

Conclusion

So, can Great Pyrenees be apartment dogs? I will let you make that decision, though, personally, I think that there are good reasons they aren’t.

Do you think Great Pyrenees are good apartment dogs? If so, let us know why in the comment section!

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Can Great Pyrenees Be Left Alone? (Answered!)

The fact of the matter is, a lot of us have jobs, and many of us simply can’t be with our dogs 24/7. So, you may be asking when you’re planning on going on vacation, “Can Great Pyrenees be left alone?”

Generally, you can leave your Great Pyrenees for about 6–8 hours every day, but this is not ideal and they deserve to be checked on regularly, so try to do so if at all possible. Just note that they should not be left alone for periods of time longer than 8 hours, and as I mentioned earlier, even that is not ideal.

Can I Have A Pyre Have A Full-Time Job?

I do believe you can pull it off, though, like I just mentioned, it’s not ideal for you to be gone from your dog for 8 hours a day.

Though, if you have to be away for that long, try to check on your dog as much as possible; during your lunch break or any other longer breaks you may have.

Of course, there are also work-at-home jobs which are much more ideal for your Great Pyrenees as you’ll be home much more often.

How Often Can Pyrs Be Left Alone?

I would leave your Pyr alone as little as possible, but I they can be left alone every day, but again, this is not ideal.

So, if possible, take your Great Pyrenees along with you when you’re going on long vacations or if you can’t, consider getting a dog sitter.

Can Great Pyrenees Sleep Outside?

The fact of the matter is, I don’t know the climate that you live in so it’s hard to say whether or not he can or not.

Note that even though the Great Pyrenees can handle the cold and heat, there are temperatures that are too low and too high for him.

Though, for nights when the temperature is just right and there aren’t any storms or anything else to worry about, you should be okay letting him sleep outside.

In fact, you may even have hard times keeping him inside if the nights are fair! When I asked on Facebook whether or not they let their Great Pyrenees in or outside during the night, they all said yes and some even said they had a hard time keeping them inside at night!

Here is what a few of them said;

Ours never comes in. He is with the sheep at all times.
Mekayla Garret

Unless it’s storming, getting them to come in at night is almost impossible!
Leigh Thomason Honnell

Mine prefers outside, even in the rain and snow. He has dry places to lay. He prefers to patrol the property.
Pam Hughes

Are Great Pyrenees Prone To Separation Anxiety?

Generally, no, but it really depends on the individual. You see, it depends on how they were raised and if they went through any dramatic separations.

Fortunately, I wrote another article on this separation anxiety and Great Pyrenees. If you’re interested, here’s the link.

Tips & Tricks When Leaving Your Pyr Alone

Now, we know that Great Pyrenees can be alone, but you still need to get your dog ready for being alone for a while.

So, what are some tips and tricks to make being alone a little more enjoyable? Let’s look at a few.

Take Your Pyr Outside

If you’re going to be gone for a while, but it won’t be overnight, consider taking your Great Pyrenees outside.

Taking your Pyr outside can give him a little more space to exercise himself and just won’t make him feel cramped up in a house all day.

The outside also offers new experiences for your dog while you’re gone. Though, there are also more distractions which make him try to run away.

If you’re wondering if Great Pyrenees are stubborn, I wrote another article on this subject and if you’re interested, here’s the link.

Anyway, definitely consider taking your Pyr outside if you’re going to leave him alone for 6-8 hours.

Get Someone To Keep Them For You

If you’re going to be gone for more than a few days, you may want to get a dog sitter who can care for your dog while you’re away.

While it may cost some money, I’m sure it’ll be worth it saying you don’t want your Pyr to be unattended for a very long time.

Just make sure that you can trust the person who will take care of him. There are dishonest people who can and will hurt dogs on purpose.

Give Them Plenty Of Distractions

While I mentioned earlier, the outside is full of new experiences that can entertain your dog while you’re away.

Though, if you aren’t taking your Great Pyrenees outside, at least get a few toys for him to distract himself.

A good companion can also help keep him from becoming too lonely while you’re away.

What To Do If You’re Keeping Your Pyr Inside

So, it’s possible that it’s storming or just too cold or hot for your Great Pyrenees, and you need to keep it inside. What do you do?

First off, you’re going to of get food and water of course. Make sure that you get more than you think your dog needs as it’s always possible you’ll be away from home as it’s always possible that you’ll be away from home a lot more than you think.

Secondly, consider getting a few toys for your Pyr. It can get very boring just laying down in a crate, especially if it’s for a long time.

Finally, if you’re going to leave your Pyr alone for a very long time in the house, consider buying a dog camera. These cameras are simply so you can watch your dog, though some may offer other features like the ability to talk to your dog through the camera or even a treat dispenser!

What To Do If You’re Keeping Your Pyr Outside

If you aren’t going to be gone for very long and you don’t want your Pyr to mess up your home (which is completely understandable) or you don’t want your dog to be too bored, you may want to take your Great Pyrenees outside. But what should you do?

Again, food and water is an obvious must for all dogs (and most life forms in general), so get plenty of it as you’re dog’s going to need it. Of course, your dog may need more water if its hot outside so keep that in mind.

Toys and chew bones can also help keep your dog busy and entertained while you’re away.

If you are planning on leaving overnight, however, you may want to let your dog in from time to time when he needs to.

Conclusion

So, can Great Pyrenees be alone? Well, it depends on the individual, though they do tend to do well being alone.

Do you have a Great Pyrenees? If so, does your Pyr behave well when you’re gone? Let us know in the comment section below!

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Can Great Pyrenees Get Separation Anxiety?

The Great Pyrenees is a great dog that loves his owners, and sometimes this love can cause something called “separation anxiety.” So, you may be wondering, “Can Great Pyrenees get separation anxiety?”

You probably won’t deal a lot with separation anxiety, though your Great Pyrenees may get bored if he’s stays home alone for too long without anything else to do. Note that dogs are complex creatures and there is no dog exactly the same, so that doesn’t mean you won’t ever get separation anxiety. Educate yourself on the signs and find out how to prevent and fix it. If you want to learn more, I suggest you keep reading.

A white great pyrenees sitting on grass — Image By Savannah Zeiler On Facebook

What Is Separation Anxiety In Dogs?

So, before we get into the signs of separation anxiety. I would like to clarify what separation anxiety actually means first.

Separation anxiety (also referred to as SA) in dogs is a behavior issue where the dog cannot mentally handle being away from his owner and thus is often destructive when his owner is away.

Separation anxiety isn’t just when your dog whines when you leave; it’s when your dog is completely destructive and panics before you even open the front door.

So, what are all the signs of separation anxiety in dogs? Let’s find out.

Signs Of Separation Anxiety In Dogs

Now, what are the signs of separation anxiety in dogs? Generally speaking, these are the signs you should be watching out for.

Anxious behaviors like whining, pacing, and trembling when you’re gone or as you prepare to leave.
Excessive barking or howling when you’re gone.
Being destructive when you’re gone (i.e. tearing up shoes, digging holes in couches)
Making a lot of accidents in the house (urination and defecation)
Excessive salivation, drooling, and panting
Desperate or prolonged attempts to escape confinement

How To Fix Separation Anxiety In Dogs

Now, we know the signs of separation anxiety in dogs, but how do we fix it?

Well, unfortunately, there is no known cure for separation anxiety, but with persistence and dedication, you can eventually lessen the severity of it.

So, how do you fix separation anxiety in dogs? Let’s look at a few tips and tricks.

Exercise Your Dog

While exercise can’t cure SA, it can certainly help treat it. Why, you ask? A tired and well-exercised dog will more likely be able to rest while you’re away than a dog hasn’t been exercised much and still has a a lot of energy. And of course, exercise is needed for his overall well-being.

This is especially true with larger dogs like the Great Pyrenees, so while he may not want to exercise a lot, make sure he has at least some.

Crate Train Your Dog

The crate is your dog’s second best friend (hopefully followed by you of course) as it can offer a safe and comfortable place to relax when things get out of hand.

So, as you would probably think, crate training is essential to treating separation anxiety.

Don’t Allow Your Dog To Be Too Clingy

Lastly, while I understand that you may feel bad for your dog, never encourage too much clinginess.

Instead, promote more independent behavior so that eventually, when you leave your home, your Pyr won’t feel so bad about you leaving.

To do this, you must first teach your dog to sit and stay. These two commands are essential for teaching your dog to be more independent and are handy in everyday life.

Second, take your dog to a room and tell him to stay and sit beside them for a few minutes. Then, next time you do it, slowly move away from your dog and stay away from him for longer periods of time and do the same next time until the point that you have left the room completely. Then, try shutting the door.

This can help your dog to slowly get used to being alone and show him that there’s nothing to worry about when you’re gone.

When Is Separation Anxiety Most Likely To Occur?

So, a question you may be asking is, “When is separation anxiety most likely to occur?”

While all dogs can get separation anxiety, separation generally starts when the dog is a puppy. This makes sense saying that dogs learn most of their behavior when they’re young rather when they’re older.

So, if you’re just getting a puppy, be extra careful about what you do around him as it may effect his behavior as he grows older and may even cause him to develop separation anxiety.

What Causes Separation Anxiety In Dogs?

As I just said, your behavior may actually influence your dog’s behavior, especially when he’s younger. But, there are more causes as well.

Another reason why your puppy or dog may have separation anxiety is that they had a traumatizing separation from another person or their mother and don’t want that to happen again, so you become their “new mom,” so to speak.

That traumatic separation could have been that they were shunned and dumped somewhere, or that they were simply relocated to a new home. While moving to a new home isn’t necessarily like dumping a dog in human eyes, there isn’t much difference for them.

The fact is, dogs don’t know as much as people do, so while we know nothing will happen to them if they’re being moved to a new home, they may think differently as they probably don’t know who you are and where you’re taking them.

Can You Prevent Separation Anxiety And If So, How?

Unfortunately, you can’t always prevent SA, but you can try to do so by promoting independent behavior and exercising your dog more.

As I mentioned earlier, exercise can help get all the energy your dog and allow him to rest while you’re away, helping prevent separation anxiety in turn.

And, of course, promoting independent behavior will prevent him from being clingy and being anxious and destructive when you’re away.

Conclusion

So, can Great Pyrenees get separation anxiety? Usually no, but you learned the causes and treatment of SA along with how to prevent it in case your Pyr ever does develop this behavior issue.

Do you have a Pyr? If so, does it have separation anxiety, or is it more independent? Let us know in the comment section below!

Featured Image By Cindy Sloan Western on Facebook

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Are Great Pyrenees Affectionate? (Answered!)

Great Pyrenees are very large dogs, and if you have a family, you may be worried that they will be aggressive and hurt someone. So, a logical question to ask is, “Are Great Pyrenees affectionate?”

Great Pyrenees are affectionate, patient, and calm dogs who will help their owners when they need it. But do note that these dogs are very large and may hurt younger children and small people even if they don’t mean to. You may also need to worry about your Pyr hurting other animals, as although they were bred to be guardian dogs who protect their herd, they are still dogs.

Are Great Pyrenees Good With Children?

As I mentioned earlier, Great Pyrenees are very affectionate dogs and probably won’t intentionally hurt anyone or anything, but these dogs are very big and can accidently hurt your child.

Another concern is that your child will hurt your Pyr. While they are very large and probably won’t get hurt, there is an always a possibility as accidents do happen!

Of course, the best way to make sure that your child (or children) and your Great Pyrenees safe is by supervising them to make sure that they are all safe.

What About Babies?

Again, even though Pyrs are affectionate and gentle dog breeds, they are still dogs and can hurt your baby or babies.

So, supervision is even more recommended if your Great Pyrenees is going to be around your baby a lot.

Are Great Pyrenees Aggressive To Strangers?

While these dogs love their owners, they are typically reserved around other people they don’t know very well.

So, while Great Pyrenees aren’t generally aggressive toward strangers, supervision is recommended.

Are Great Pyrenees Loyal or Stubborn?

While Great Pyrenees love their owners and I can’t see them turning no them, they have an independent nature and can be stubborn at times.

He may be all over you one minute and running away, distracted by something else, the next.

So, because they are so large and can be stubborn at times, it is highly recommended that you at least do standard obedience training with your Great Pyrenees.

If you’d like to learn more about this, I highly recommend checking out this article I also made. If you’re interested, you may click here.

What To Do If Your Pyr Is Aggressive

While Great Pyrenees are not typically aggressive, there is always a chance that they will be, so it’s important that you know what to do if he does. Of course, this also goes for all other dogs as well.

So, what do you do when my Pyr is aggressive? Let’s find out!

Back Away

The first step is the slowly back away. If you run, the pyr will become even more aggressive and will try to chase you.

Slowly backing away will help him feel less restricted and make him feel like you aren’t trying to hurt him in any way, which should help him calm down a bit.

Calm Down & Talk With A Quiet Voice

This step is also very important. If you act aggressive and yell at the dog, this will do nothing else but make him even more aggressive.

So, speak to him with a calm and quiet voice, and, of course, calm down. When you are calm, it will help show him that you aren’t trying to attack or threaten him.

Stop Their Source Of Anger

Lastly, you’re going to need to stop the source of their anger.

Now, I know what you’re asking, “Okay, but why is he angry?” Well, there are a number of possible reasons, but if he is acting angry toward you, it’s likely he thinks you are some sort of threat.

Though, there are of course other reasons why he could be angry as well. For one, he may see a cat.

Dogs and cats are notorious for not liking each other and trying to attack one another. The fact is, while it’s possible that you can get a dog and a cat to be friendly to each other, this is not common behavior.

Another source of his anger could be someone else. This person may be a threat, or it may not be. It could be a thief, or it could simply be the mailman delivering your mail.

Whatever the source is, it’s essential that you know what it is so you can deal with it appropriately and calm your dog down.

Can Great Pyrenees Be With Other Dogs?

While Pyrs are not exceptionally friendly to other dogs, it is possible for your Great Pyrenees to live with another dog if they are properly introduced.

The key to this is to introduce them slowly. Let them get used to each other so that they don’t feel rushed and get stressed out. All this will do is make the meeting much more stressful and may even ruin the entire meeting.

Unfortunately, I can’t say much about introducing dogs to each other, but I believe this article from the AKC (American Kennel Club) can help to give you a better idea to go about this.

Can Pyrs Be With Other Pets That Aren’t Dogs?

Great Pyrenees are known for being great with other animals. In fact, they were even bred to guard and protect sheep and work with peasant shepherds.

That being said, these dogs are still dogs and may hurt your animals like chickens and rabbits if you aren’t careful. That is why I recommend being cautious when first introducing your Pyr to other animals that aren’t dogs.

Conclusion

So, are Great Pyrenees affectionate dogs? Absolutely! Pyrs are loving and kind dogs that can get along with their family and other dogs and animals; just be careful when you’re first introducing your Pyr to them and when he is around strangers.

So, do you have a Great Pyrenees? If so, is it an affectionate dog? Let us know in the comment section below!

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Are Great Pyrenees Stubborn? – What You Need To Know!

It’s been known that Great Pyrenees can be very stubborn at times as they have an independent nature, but you may wonder if that’s really true. That’s a great question.

The truth is that Great Pyrenees can be obstinate at times. While they adore their owners, they can become distracted, flee, or simply refuse to do as they are told. Because of this, it’s highly recommended that you at least do standard obedience training with your Great Pyrenees. Also, note that it really depends on the individual itself.

What To Do If Your Pyr Is Being Stubborn

Now, we know that Pyrs can be stubborn, but what do you do when he is acting this way?

It may feel very frustrating when your dog is stubborn. Believe me, I know exactly how it feels, but try not to get too angry as it doesn’t help anything. But, what does? Let’s find out!

Tell Him What You Want

While I’m not saying to literally tell him what you want, I am saying to reward him when he does good.

This helps tell him what you want and that he will be rewarded with treats and a lot of love for doing good.

Avoid Punishing Him

Another thing you want to do is avoid punishing him. While I know it may seem tempting, it probably won’t do any good and if anything, will make him think you’re just a bad person who likes to do bad things to him.

The best way to go about this is like I said earlier; reward him for doing good, not punish him for doing bad. This should just be more enjoyable for your dog and should actually train your dog a lot faster.

Take Him To Obedience Training

While it won’t always make a disobedient dog obedient, it can help show your dog how to act and why.

Just note that, like I just said, it’s not for every dog. Make sure that your dog feels comfortable and is actually learning, otherwise, it may not be a good choice to continue with obedience training.

Show Him You’re The Best Person In His Life

Lastly, show him that you’re the best and most important person in his life.

The best way to go about it may just be to play games with him and reward him for best behavior. Just make sure he knows you’re the most important (and funnest) person in his life.

Once he realizes this, he will likely become less disobedient, as he knows you’re a fun and loving person and should become more eager to please you.

What To Do If Your Pyr Runs Away

It’s important to know what to do when your dog runs away from you, otherwise he may run away from you and you won’t have a clue what to do.

So, what do you do when your Pyr is running away from you? Let’s find out.

Relax

The first step is to relax. While I know it may be hard to, when you’re panicked, you generally don’t make many good decisions.

When you’re panicked, you’re too busy thinking about what’s happening and not how to fix it.

Use Your Recall Word

If you’ve trained your dog properly, you should have trained your dog to respond to a recall word.

This recall word or phrase is there so that you can call your dog to come back to you no matter what the situation is. Of course, it’s likely you haven’t trained your dog to respond to recall word yet.

If you haven’t, I highly suggest that you do. But, you may be asking how? That’s a great question. I recommend checking out this article from the AKC if you’re interested in training your dog to respond to a recall word or phrase.

If you are in this situation though and you don’t have a recall word or phrase, I suggest you use the next tip.

Entice Your Pyr To Come Back

Enticing or bribing your dog to come back to you is another good way to get your dog back to you.

Now what do you entice your Pyr with? Anything that your dog enjoys and that you believe will entice them to return.

This is likely a treat box or their favorite toy (when in doubt, use the treat box). You can also call them back.

If you have a toy, try getting on the ground and acting like you’re playing with it and if it squeaks, squeak it a lot. While it may feel humiliating, if it gets your dog back, do it!

On the other hand, if you have a treat box, shake it a lot and say “treat.” I know my dogs love the word “treat,” and your dog will probably perk up if they hear it too.

Why Did My Pyr Run Away?

Now, you know how to bring a dog back to you, but why would your Great Pyrenees even run away from you in the first place?

That is a hard question to answer saying there are a number of reasons, though it’s likely one of these.

He saw a car
He saw a person
He saw another dog
He saw another animal other than a dog (i.e. a squirrel)
He was bored

He likely saw a person, a cat, a car, or another dog, but some dogs may also run away if he’s bored.

In order to prevent your dog from running away, I recommend that you first make sure he can’t get out, but also try to make his life fun and interesting so he wants to stay with you.

Do Great Pyrenees Have To Be On A Leash?

Generally, Great Pyrenees don’t have to be on a leash when he’s home, though if you do ever plan on walking him, I recommend it.

Why? Well, even though they are loyal dogs, they can get distracted and run away.

Is It Hard To Train A Great Pyrenees?

It is generally said that Great Pyrenees have a independent mind, so you may have some difficulties training them.

They were also bred to be guard dogs, and I believe that they were bred to have a more independent nature.

Conclusion

So, are Great Pyrenees stubborn? Well, it really depends on the individual, though they are typically loyal dogs, but they can get distracted easily.

So, do you have a Great Pyrenees? If so, is it loyal or stubborn or a little bit of both? Let us know in the comment section below!

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Can Great Pyrenees Be Inside Dogs? (Answered!)

Some of us enjoy staying inside rather than going out in the outdoors and would prefer if your dog would stay with us. So, a logical question you may ask when you’re planning on adopting a Great Pyrenees is “Can Great Pyrenees be inside dogs?’

It really depends. Most Great Pyrenees enjoy being outside and should stay outside for the most part and if you are going to get an adult Great Pyrenees, consider asking them if they have stayed outside most of their life. Otherwise, if you are going to keep a puppy, you may be able to keep him inside, though I don’t recommend that you do.

A white great Pyrenees with light orange patches inside a house — Image By Tamara McCrackin On Facebook

Considerations Before Keeping Your Pyr Inside

If you do plan on keeping your Great Pyrenees inside, however, there are a few things you must take into consideration.

The fact of the matter is, if you’re going to keep a large dog inside, you’re going to need to consider a few things or else you may find yourself a bit unprepared. So, what should you consider? Let’s find out.

Where He Will Sleep

Great Pyrenees are very large dogs and will need a decently sized crate when he’s full-grown.

As a result, you’ll need to make sure you have a place for the crate. It should be in a quiet and dark place so that when your Great Pyrenees needs to rest, he will be able to relax.

How Often You’ll Take Him Outside

Another consideration you should take in mind is how often you’ll take him outside.

The fact is, Great Pyrenees, even if they are raised indoors, will probably still want to go outside.

Thus, you need to understand that he would probably need to go outside fairly often, as they were bred to be outside for very long periods of time. In fact, most rarely go inside at all.

How Much He Sheds

Lastly, you need to understand that Great Pyrenees shed a ton, especially in spring, their shedding season.

So, understand that if you are going to keep your Pyr inside a lot, expect to find a lot of dog hair all over your house.

This, of course, is horrible for people with dander allergies so if you allergies or you will have people over who have dander allergies, you should probably keep your Pyr outside.

Inside Or Outside; What Do Pyrs Prefer?

Now we know that you can keep Great Pyrenees inside, but what do Great Pyrenees actually prefer?

While we can’t understand all of what your Great Pyrenees think, we can understand that most Great Pyrenees tend to prefer staying outside rather than inside.

So, just keep that in mind if you are planning on keeping your Great Pyrenees inside.

Can Great Pyrenees Live In Apartments?

A lot of us live in apartments, but want a Great Pyrenees, So, is it doable? Personally, while I don’t know if it’s necessarily doable, I don’t recommend it.

Here’s why:

They Bark A Lot

First off, Great Pyrenees tend to bark a lot when they see cars, people, cats, and other dogs.

Thus, it can be annoying for others around you. In fact, some apartment complexes won’t allow dogs whatsoever, and this is probably one of their reasons

They Tend To Prefer To Be Outdoors

As I mentioned earlier, Great Pyrenees prefer to live outdoors rather than indoors.

Even if they were raised indoors, I still suspect that they would want to go outside multiple times a day.

While it is debated whether or not Great Pyrenees need a backyard, it is generally said that Pyrs do best in one.

They Don’t Like Being Around A Lot of Strangers

Another reason why I don’t recommend keeping your Pyr in an apartment is that there are generally a lot of strangers around apartments.

These could just be people passing through, but most likely, people who live there and are there often.

Unfortunately, Great Pyrenees don’t do well being around a lot of strangers, so you may find that your Pyr is uncomfortable in an apartment because of this reason.

They Are So Large

Lastly, the Great Pyrenees are large. So, even if your python is quiet and doesn’t like to be outside often, his size alone should discourage you from keeping him in an apartment.

Even though Pyrs don’t require a ton of exercise, they are very large dogs and need a lot of space, and apartments usually don’t meet that need.

Indoors Or Outdoors – What’s Better For Their Health?

What we also need to keep in mind is that it’s just a lot healthier to keep them outdoors rather than indoors, unless the weather isn’t fair.

Like humans, it’s just not healthy for your Pyr to be locked up all day in the house and even if they do go outside every now and then, they were bred to be primarily outside.

Pros & Cons To Keeping Your Pyr Inside

Now, let’s look into the pros and cons to keeping your Great Pyrenees inside.

For the pros, we have the fact that your Great Pyrenees will probably stay cleaner in general and in turn, will need less grooming.

For the cons, however, keeping them indoors will likely be unpleasant for your Great Pyrenees, since they were bred to stay outdoors for very long periods of time.

They are very large and prefer staying outside rather than inside. So, you may find that he’s just fit for the indoors.

So, unfortunately, the cons seem to outweigh the pros, and it’s best if you keep them outdoors.

Can Great Pyrenees Be Home Alone?

Yes, generally speaking, Great Pyrenees can be home alone while their owners are gone.

This does not, of course, mean that you can leave your Pyr alone for hours at a time, so I recommend that you research a bit more about this.

Conclusion

So, can Great Pyrenees be inside dogs? Generally speaking, it’s best if they are kept outdoors, but you could probably pull it off if he was raised indoors.

Do you have a Great Pyrenees? If so, do you let it in often? Let us know in the comment section below!

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Can Irish Setters Live Outside? – Answered!

There are people out there who’d rather have their dog outside rather than inside as they just don’t like their dog messing up their house. So, a question that may pop up in your mind when you’re adopting an Irish Setter is “Can Irish Setters live outside?

Generally speaking, no. Irish Setters cannot live outside as they enjoy to be around their owners, though they love the outdoors and it never hurts to take them outside. Just note that when it comes to keeping them outside all the time, this is just not recommended. If you’d like to learn more about Irish Setters living outside along with some fun outdoor activities, I suggest you keep reading.

An Irish setter standing in a field of grass — Image By Conor Quigley On Facebook

How Long Can Irish Setters Stay Outside?

As to how long an Irish Setter can stay outside, it’s really whenever he wants in. He will tell you when he has enough.

However, generally speaking, after about a few hours, you may consider taking him inside, but it really depends on the outside weather.

If it’s extremely hot or cold outside, consider lowering the amount of time he’s outside, but your Irish Setter can still get the exercise he needs. Just try not to waste any time laying or sitting around for very long.

Can Irish Setters Sleep Outside?

No, Irish Setters should not sleep outside. While Irish Setters love the outdoors, you shouldn’t let him stay outside overnight.

This is especially true when their it’s storming and the temperature is just not comfortable.

Considerations Before Leaving Your Irish Setter Outside

Now, we know that Irish Setters can’t live outside, but this, of course, doesn’t mean that he can’t be outside.

In fact, most Irish Setters love being outside, but if you are going to take your Irish Setter outside, there are a few considerations like food and water supply, insects like fleas and ticks, and the outside temperature.

Food & Water Supply

The food and water supply is, of course, very important if your Irish Setter is going outside. This is especially true when it comes to the summer and spring.

During the warmer months, your dog will drink and eat a lot more so you will have to check on his food and water more, but you will also have to check on it during the colder months also.

While he may not eat or drink any more than usual, you will have to worry about the water and food freezing over if you leave it out for too long.

Of course, if you live in a warmer area, you may not have to worry about this, but even warmers areas like Arkansas where I live will have nights that go below freezing in the fall and winter.

So, because of this, make sure your dog has plenty of warm water in the fall and winter and replace it if it begins to freeze over.

Consider checking their food and water every hour.

Ticks, Fleas & Other Pests

Ticks, fleas, and other pests are another problem you may deal with in all the seasons.

While it is true that insects like fleas and ticks are found less often in the fall and winter, this doesn’t mean they won’t be a problem from time to time.

You see, during the cold months, insects like fleas and ticks seek a warm shelter, and typically speaking, that warm shelter will be an animal, and possibly your Irish Setter.

So, even though they are less of a problem in the cooler seasons, don’t let that fool you into thinking they won’t be a problem at all.

If you’re interested in finding a good flea and tick repellent, I suggest checking out this article from The Spruce Pets.

The Outside Temperature

Lastly, the last consideration we will be talking about is the outside temperature.

As I mentioned earlier, the outside temperature can drastically change the amount of time your Irish Setter can go outside.

While it is true that Irish Setters have a thicker coat, there are still temperatures that are too cold for them.

Fun Outside Activities For Your Irish Setter

Now, what are some fun activities that you can do with your Irish Setter?

That’s a great question. Let’s find out.

Walks

Walks are a very common activity and I know that it’s very popular. In fact, you may say that it’s boring, but it really depends on where you walk.

If you were to walk up and down your neighborhood street, that wouldn’t be as fun as going to a forest or a beach.

Not only can it be a great experience for you, but also for your dog as well. There are almost always new smells, new animals to watch, and new people to meet.

Fetch

Fetch is another activity that’s very common, but I think I should still add it on the list.

Fetch is simple so it’ll be easy for your dog to understand what to do and it can also give your dog the exercise he needs.

Geocaching

Geocaching isn’t as common to do with your dog than, say, fetch, but it’s a great way to spend some time with your dog.

If you’re a bit confused with what geocaching actually is; let me explain. Geocaching, according to Wikipedia, is an “outdoor recreational activity, in which participants use a Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver or mobile device and other navigational techniques to hide and seek containers, called ‘geocaches’ or ‘caches’, at specific locations marked by coordinates all over the world.”

Going To A Dog Park

Going to a dog park is another fun way to spend some time outside with your dog, but there is a problem that may arise.

You see, as you let your Irish Setter go to dog parks more often, it’s likely that he will begin to think that you have no control over him.

When you go to a dog park, you leave him alone with a lot of other dogs to do almost whatever they want. So, this would make sense that he would think this.

If you still don’t understand why he’d think this, think of your dog as a small child. He doesn’t always know what you mean, so he can easily take things the wrong way.

Swimming

The last activity we will be talking about today is swimming.

Swimming is not only fun, but also a great way to get exercise.

Just note, however, that while Irish Setters typically like the water, that doesn’t always mean some individuals will care for it. In fact, he may not even like it at all.

If you’d like to learn more about this subject, I suggest you check out this article I wrote. If you’re interested, here’s the link.

Conclusion

So, can Irish Setters live outside? I’m afraid Irish Setters cannot live outside, but they do love the outdoors!

Do you have an Irish Setter? If so, how often do you let it outside? Let us know in the comment section below.

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Are Irish Setters Hyper? (Answered + Cute Video Inside)

Some of us are more active than others, and generally speaking, active people want active dogs, while more relaxed people want more relaxed dogs. So, when you’re planning on adopting an Irish Setter, a logical question to ask is, “Are Irish Setters hyper?”

Irish Setters are fairly hyper. While they don’t have infinite stamina, they are for the active dog owner as they need daily exercise. Just make sure not to make them do anything more than they need. If you’d like to know more about Irish Setters being hyper, along with some fun activities, and a cute video, I suggest you keep reading!

Daily Exercise Requirements For Irish Setters

Now, we understand that Irish Setters require daily exercise, but how much and what kind?

As to what kind, exactly, we will be talking about that in the next section, but as to how much, it really depends on the individual.

We do know that most Irish Setters are pretty active. So, consider walking your Irish Setter at least a couple times a day, though more than this would be even better.

Of course, if you have a backyard, this would be even better as you can let him essentially exercise himself, but not everyone has one.

You can also try exercising your dog inside. While he can’t get too much physical exercise inside, he can get plenty of mental exercise, which Irish Setters need just as much of.

We will be talking more about inside activities later in this article.

Fun Outdoor Activities For Irish Setters

What are some fun outdoor activities for Irish Setters? This is a great question!

Let’s find out.

Fetch

The first outdoor activity we will be talking about is fetch.

I know what you’re probably thinking. “It’s just fetch!” “We all know what fetch is!” You’re right, and it’s so popular for a reason.

Not only is it simple, so your dog will understand what to do, but it can also give your dog the exercise that he needs.

Walks & Jogs

Walks and jogs are another popular activity that you can do with your dog, and for a good reason too.

Like fetch, your dog can get the exercise he needs, but there are more smells and animals to watch.

Even going down the street of your neighbor hood can be a great experience for your dog, but other places like beaches and forests are even better.

Not only is it great for your dog, but it’s also great for you as well.

Going To A Dog Park

Okay, dog parks are definitely a consideration, but we need to understand there are considerable cons.

Even though dog parks appear to be relatively harmless, as they are simply places for your dog to run and play with other dogs, there may be some behavior issues that arise.

If you take your dog to a dog park often, he may eventually get the idea that you really have no control over him and that he can do as he pleases.

You may think that this is just nonsense, but we need to realize that dogs think and act differently than people.

Consider your dog to be similar to a small child (I say almost for a reason). He can’t understand everything you do, and he often takes things the wrong way.

Swimming

Swimming is another fun activity that you can do outside.

Just remember that there is a small possibility that your Irish Setter won’t actually want to swim.

If you want to learn more about Irish Setters swimming, I have made another article about that. If you’re interested, here’s the link!

Bird Watching

The last outdoors activity we will be talking about is bird watching. This activity is my favorite.

Why? Because not only can you do other activities like walking and jogging, but you can also see all the beautiful birds in your area. Bird watching can also be a great experience for your dog.

Fun Indoor Activities For Irish Setters

Now, what are some fun indoor activities for Irish Setters? This is another great question.

Let’s find out.

Obstacle Course

An obstacle course can be a great way to use the usually unneeded objects in your house to make something that is fun for both you and your dog.

Just remember that your Irish Setter may be a bit hesitant to go through it at first, especially if they’re tired.

Obedience Training

Training for many of us sounds more of a boring task than a fun activity, but it can be beneficial for both you and your dog.

Consider teaching your Irish Setter how to sit, stay, “talk,” beg, and roll over. Sit and stay are especially important and can be used in everyday life.

Hidden Treasure

Hidden treasure is when you take three cups (make sure they aren’t clear) and put a treat under one of them when your dog isn’t looking.

Then, let him sniff out the treat without even knowing where it is.

This activity is a great way to get your dog to use the nose that he was designed for. It can also be a fun activity for you too.

Why Is My Irish Setter Acting Excited?

We now know a lot, but you may still be curious about why your Irish Setter gets so excited.

First, I want to remind of what excitement really is. Excitement really means an arouse into action. So, technically speaking, stress can also be excitement.

Of course, excitement also can be more positive as well.

So, what caused your Irish Setter to be so excited? Let’s look at a few possibilities.

He heard a car or a person
He saw someone, a car, or another animal
He hears or think he hears a treat box or bag

How To Calm Your Irish Setter Down

While it’s good for a dog to be excited, let’s be honest, sometimes they can get on our nerves when they are.

So, how can I calm an Irish Setter down?

Speak Quietly

Speaking quietly can help calm an excited dog, similar to how to calm an angry dog.

Restrain from yelling at your Irish Setter. If they’re running around and you yell at them, their feelings can turn from excitement to shame very quickly.

Also, it may not even help whatsoever. So, keep quiet and don’t act excited yourself.

Hold Your Dog & Show It Some Love

If your dog is stressed (remember, that can also mean excited), make sure you hold him and show him some love.

Have you ever been stressed and just wanted someone to comfort you? When he’s stressed, he may feel the same way.

Do note, however, that this opens the door to some behavior problems if you do this a lot. While it may not happen, do note that he may become more dependent on you.

Stop The Source

Lastly, stop the source of his excitement if you really want to stop it all together.

As I mentioned earlier, the source may be a cat, a car, a person, or another dog.

While you may not be able to necessarily stop the source, you may be able to separate the source from your dog.

He may already be separated, only he can see it. If this is the case, close the windows and try to distract him.

Conclusion

So, are Irish Setters hyper? It really depends on the individual, but in general, most Irish Setters are very active dogs.

Do you have an Irish Setter? If so, what kind of indoor and outdoor activities do you do with him? Let us know in the comment section below!

Featured Image Attribution: Image By Yana Botsman on Facebook

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Are Irish Setters Aggressive? (Answered + Cute Video)

As dog owners, we want to make sure our dog is not aggressive and is under control, for our sake and, if you have a family, theirs as well. So, when you’re planning on adopting an Irish Setter, a logical question you would ask is “Are Irish Setters aggressive?”

Generally speaking, no, Irish Setters are not aggressive. Irish Setters love their family and won’t hurt them intentionally unless they feel threatened.. Just note that they can still become aggressive if they feel like they should, since Irish Setters are still dogs. If you’d like to learn more about Irish Setter aggression, I suggest you continue reading this article.

As you can see here, Irish Setters are not aggressive, but kind and loving dogs!

Are Irish Setters Good With Children?

Irish Setters are loving and patient which makes them great with children. Irish Setters probably wouldn’t intentionally hurt your child or children, though, you may have to worry about the child hurting the dog.

We all know that children (especially when they’re younger) can get pretty rough at times, even if they don’t mean to.

So, your child may accidently hurt your Irish Setter on accident if he isn’t careful. This is why it’s important to teach your children how to interact with your dog without hurting it. Even though they are great family dogs, they are still dogs nonetheless.

Can Irish Setters Be With Babies?

As with older children, your Irish Setter may accidentally hurt your baby, but you can help avoid this by simply supervising them when they’re around each other.

Your baby probably won’t hurt your Irish Setter either, but again, always supervise them both to make sure neither of them get into trouble.

Can Irish Setters Be With Other Dogs?

Yes, generally speaking, Irish Setters are affectionate and can live with other dogs if they are introduced properly.

I would like to put a little more emphasis on “introduced properly,” however. Even though Irish Setters can coexist with dogs, they will most likely cause problems if they are not introduced properly.

Even if your Irish Setter acts fine throughout the process, the other dog may not.

The key to introducing two dogs to each other is not rushing it. Give them time to smell each other (there’s probably going to be a lot of that) and get comfortable around each other.

If you rush them, they will likely get a bit stressed and may lash it out on each other.

When I asked Irish Setter owners on Facebook if they had any other dogs, here are some of the responses I got.

We once had seven dogs (death in the family). Three setters, 1 cattle dog and three terriers. One of the terriers picked fights a couple of times. The setters never did.
Judith Lukas

Yes I have 6, and no dramas between them.
Jocelyn Sizer

I have three. No drama.
JoAnn Hall

Can Irish Setters Be Around Other Pets That Aren’t Dogs?

As gentle and patient as Irish Setters are, they are still dogs, and worst of all, they were bred to kill game.

So, can Irish Setters be around other pets that aren’t dogs? Probably not, and especially not when it comes to smaller animals like chickens and rabbits.

If you do have any other animals, however, make sure that he can’t get to them. Pets like fish won’t be a problem, but other animals like chickens, other birds, cats, rabbits, and small rodents can.

What To Do When Encountered By An Aggressive Irish Setter

While Irish Setters are affectionate dogs, it’s crucial you still know what to do in case he becomes aggressive.

What I say here applies for all dogs, though we are primarily talking about Irish Setters.

So, what to do you when you encounter an aggressive Irish Setter?

Back Away

This may sound like a no-brainer, but you have to back away. However, make sure you back away slowly. Running away can trigger your dog’s instincts and make the entire situation a lot worse.

Think about yourself for a moment. Have you ever been stressed and just wanted people to go away for a while? Your dog, when he’s aggressive, probably feels the same way.

Calm Down & Speak Quietly

Also, calm down. When your dog is angry, the way you act may come across as a threat or a signal to attack.

Acting jittery and scared turns on the signal in your dog’s brain to attack.

So, to make sure this doesn’t happen, remain calm and never make any sudden movements. It doesn’t make your dog feel any better, and you probably won’t make any better decisions.

Stop The Source of Their Anger

Lastly, find the source of their anger and deal with it appropriately.

Of course, if it’s you, then you have full control over yourself, but this may not always be the case.

If the source is another animal, such as a dog or a cat, try to get your dog away from it without making it any more angry.

If it’s a passing car or person outside the window, this source with naturally go away. If this is the case for you, try to calm the dog down until the source is gone.

If the car or person doesn’t leave, make sure you know that they aren’t doing anything wrong before you shrug it off.

Why Did My Irish Setter Get Aggressive?

As I mentioned earlier, you need to stop the source of the aggression, but in order to do that, you need to understand what’s the source of his aggression.

Below are some of the possible sources of aggression.

Sickness (i.e. rabies, lacerations, arthritis, various brain tumors)
Someone passing by (i.e. the mailman)
A car is passing by (i.e. your neighbor going to or leaving their house, the mailman)
Another animal (i.e. a cat or another dog)
Your dog is trying to assert dominance

Conclusion

So, are Irish Setters usually aggressive. No. In fact, Irish Setters are generally very affectionate dogs. Just remember that they are still dogs and can get aggressive if they feel like they should.

Do you have an Irish Setter? If so, can you recall if your Irish Setter ever got aggressive?

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Can Irish Setters Be Left Alone? – Answered

We all have to go places where we can’t take our dog with us, so if you’re planning on adopting an Irish Setter, or you already have one, you may wonder, “Can Irish Setters be left alone?” This is a great question.

The answer is yes, Irish Setters can be left alone, but many Irish Setter owners have problems leaving their dog alone as they can develop separation anxiety. Learn how to properly train your Irish Setter to stay alone for long periods of time, otherwise, you may come across some problems. If you’d like to learn more about leaving Irish Setters alone, I suggest you keep reading.

How Long Can Irish Setters Be Left Alone?

Personally, I wouldn’t leave your Irish Setter for any longer than a few hours at a time. As I mentioned earlier, Irish Setters can develop separation anxiety.

If you want to go any longer than this, I suggest you get someone to check on your dog often, give him some food and water when he needs it, and, of course, a lot of love.

Can I Have An Irish Setter If I Have A Full-Time Job?

Well, that’s great, but you may have a full-time job, and you just can’t be with your dog all the time. This is understandable, but unfortunately, Irish Setters don’t like being alone for very long periods of time.

You may be able to pull it off, however, if you have a work-at-home job. Work-at-home jobs are fairly popular nowadays, and this, of course, would be much better than a full-time job outside of the house.

How Often Can Irish Setters Be Left Alone

Now, as to how often and for how long you can leave an Irish Setter alone, the less often, the better.

Just don’t leave your Irish Setter any longer than he has to. While they can be left alone, that doesn’t mean they should be left alone or that they can even do so mentally without training.

Are Irish Setters Prone To Separation Anxiety?

Generally speaking, yes. Irish Setters are known to get separation anxiety, but individuals may be different.

Signs of separation anxiety include anxious behavior like pacing, whining, or trembling when you leave or get ready to leave the house, excessive howling or barking when you’re gone, and destructive behavior when you leave them alone.

While it’s not guaranteed that your Irish Setter will have this behavior problem, it’s important that you know and understand the signs in case you ever do.

What To Do If You Have To Leave Your Irish Setter

What do I do if I have to leave my Irish Setter for a long period of time? This is a great question.

Let’s find out.

Get Someone To Keep Your Irish Setter For You

If you are going to leave your Irish Setter for a while, consider getting someone to keep your Irish Setter for you.

It may cost some money, but you don’t want to leave your dog unattended and have him destroy your home.

Just make sure that whoever you let dog sit your Irish Setter, you know that you can trust them. There are people out there who can and will hurt or sell your dog.

Take Your Irish Setter Outside

If you’re going to leave your dog for a shorter period of time, however, consider taking your dog outside.

The outdoors is an amazing place for your dog. In the outdoors, there are always new smells, sounds, and things to watch and chase.

It’s also more freeing for your dog and, unless you have a tiny yard, offers a lot more room to run and play.

Just remember not to let him outside unless the weather is fair. Irish Setters just aren’t made to be in extremely cold or hot temperatures.

Give Them Plenty of Distractions

Whether your dog will be indoors or outdoors, some distractions are a great way to make time go faster for your dog.

The distractions can be toys and treats, or you could also get another dog.

If you are going to leave your Irish Setter alone for very long, however, I suggest you train your dog to behave better while you’re gone.

Training Your Irish Setter To Behave Better

While you can’t cure separation anxiety, it is possible to train your Irish Setter to behave better if he doesn’t like to be alone.

The first way to help treat separation anxiety is crate training. Why does this help, you ask? The crate can offer a safe and comfortable place for your dog when he’s stressed; the crate can be his second best friend.

The second way we will be talking about in this article is exercise. While this alone may not necessary make any huge difference, this coupled with crate training can help treat (not cure) separation anxiety.

I’m afraid I can’t cover everything to treating separation anxiety, but I think this article from the AKC can help give you a better idea.

What To Do When You’re Keeping Your Irish Setter Inside

When you’re keeping your Irish Setter inside (or really any dog for that matter), it’s important that your dog has plenty of food and water, so make sure that he has plenty of it at all times when you’re gone.

Your Irish Setter also needs a good resting area, so make sure that their crate door is open.

Lastly, get a few toys to help distract your dog while your gone. As I stated earlier, toys are a great distraction to help pass the time.

What To Do When You’re Keeping Your Irish Setter Outside

If your going to keep your dog outside, food and water is even more important. This is especially true if it’s warmer outside.

You may have a problem with the water freezing over if it’s very cold outside, however, so you may need to check in on occasion to replace the old water.

Toys and treats are not as necessary as the outdoors has many experiences that alone can entertain your dog, but it won’t hurt to throw a few toys outside.

Lastly, if you’re going to go overnight, you may want to open the door to his crate just so he can rest when he pleases.

Conclusion

So, can Irish Setters be left alone? Yes, they can, but that doesn’t mean that it’s okay if they’re left alone all the time.

Do you have an Irish Setter? If so, how long do you usually leave him outside?

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Can Irish Setters Swim? – What You Need To Know!

If you’re planning on going to a beach, a pool, or a lake and you want to take your Irish Setter with you, you’re probably going to ask, “Can Irish Setters swim?” This is a great question.

The answer is yes! Irish Setters are known to be amazing swimmers who love it too! Do note, however, that you still need to train them to swim as you will still encounter some who are hesitant about swimming. The fact is, while most dogs are born swimmers, some still need a little help getting into the water.

How Long Can An Irish Setter Swim?

As to how long an Irish Setter can swim, it really depends on the individual. Some will like to play in the water a lot, while others may be a bit tired on that day.

However, I wouldn’t let your Irish Setter stay in the water more than an a few hours at a time, though, it’s likely he won’t want to be any longer than that anyway.

The reason why I say this is because land animals aren’t meant to be in the water for extremely long periods of time and may develop hypothermia if they do.

How To Teach Your Irish Setter How To Swim

If you want to be extra sure your Irish Setter can swim well, you may want to take him to swimming lessons, but you can do this yourself.

With dedication, persistence, and some supplies, it is possible to get your dog used to the water. If you want to go this route, I have listed a few tips and reminders to make sure you know what you’re doing.

Get A Life Jacket

This is more of a must than a tip or trick. You should always get a life jacket if you’re worried that your Irish Setter won’t be able to swim well (not that it would happen, but just to be on the safe side), but it can also make your dog just a little more confident.

Once he realizes that he actually floats, he should be more likely to try to swim, but he won’t feel panicked either.

He may or may not like the life jacket at first, but getting a life jacket is a must if you want your Irish Setter to get used to the water.

Use A Toy To Encourage Him To Swim

Sometimes, if your dog seems a bit hesitant to get into the water, a toy (like a ball) can help encourage him to go into the water.

This method seems to be preferred over others, and the method makes a lot of sense too.

Dogs naturally like to chase things, whether the thing they’re chasing is running on the ground or even flying close to the ground. So, another great way to encourage him is to just throw his favorite toy into the water.

Get Him A Swimming Buddy

Ever got really nervous to try something new, but once a friend did it you realized it wasn’t actually so scary after all? This is common amongst people and the same goes for dogs as well.

So, consider getting a swimming companion for your dog that already knows how to swim. This can help encourage your dog to get into the water and swim with the other dog.

What If My Irish Setter Is Still Hesitant?

If your dog is still hesitant about swimming, don’t force him. Some dogs just don’t like the water. But, if you want to be sure he just doesn’t like water, try taking him swimming another day.

It’s possible that your Irish Setter just isn’t feeling up to getting in the water and would rather try another day.

What’s The Best Place To Take My Irish Setter Swimming?

Now, we know that Irish Setters can swim, and we also learned about some tips and tricks to get your dog into the water and swimming, though you still may wonder, “What’s the best place to take my Irish Setter swimming?”

That’s a great question. Let’s find out.

Pools

The first most popular place to go swimming that we will be talking about are pools.

Pools are readily available and you yourself may even have one, though they are also very expensive to buy and maintain.

Lakes

Lakes are also a popular place to go swimming, and they’re also fairly common. I know I live less than half an hour from a lake, and it’s possible you live close to one also.

Though, there are also a lot of other people who like to be on lakes, especially in the spring and summer, So, you may want to avoid them if your Irish Setter doesn’t like people.

Beaches

The last place we will be talking about is beaches. Beaches are great places to take your dog swimming if you’re looking to also take a lot of pictures, though there are some cons as well.

First off, you may not live by a beach, so it may cost a lot of money to go to one. Second, there are a ton of people during the summer, and even if your Irish Setter love people, you may not.

Of course, whether or not you should go to the beach is your decision. Just consider the pros and the cons.

Preparing Your Irish Setter To Swim – What To Do

Now, what should you do when you’re preparing your Irish Setter to swim?

First, if you’re worried that you don’t if your Irish Setter will want to swim (not that you would have to that much), get a life jacket and a few toys to help encourage him to get into the water.

And lastly, get a few towels to help dry him off. If he isn’t properly dried, it is possible he can get hypothermia so much sure he is dry enough.

What To Do After Your Irish Setter Swims

As your Irish Setter gets out of the water, make sure you properly dry him off.

Then, check his ears and skin as dogs are generally sensitive to chlorine so it can irritate their skin

Lastly, give your Irish Setter some food and water. It’s likely he’ll be hungry and thirsty, especially if he swam for very long.

You may also want to get a drying agent for your dog’s ears. If his ears aren’t dry, it’s possible they can get ear infections.

Do Irish Setters Like To Swim?

As I mentioned earlier, Irish Setters love to swim. It’s generally known that Irish Setters not only are great at swimming, but enjoy it as well.

Though, this doesn’t necessarily mean that you won’t come across some individuals that won’t like the water. While it’s not likely you will, there is a chance.

Conclusion

So, can Irish Setters swim? Not only can they, but they also love it too! Just remember you may still need to encourage them to get into the water.

Do you have an Irish Setter? If so, how often do you take your Irish Setter swimming?

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